Mechanical Engineer - Power Generation

Kimley-Horn • Warrenville, IL

1d • $100,000 - $160,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Kimley-Horn's Chicago Western Suburbs (IL) office is seeking a Mechanical Engineer with 10+ years of experience to join their Power Generation team. This role involves leading mechanical engineering efforts for natural gas and coal-fired power generation projects, including design and support for systems related to Air Quality Control and Effluent Limitation Guidelines. The position also requires comprehensive piping system design, development and review of P&IDs, mechanical equipment condition assessments, lifecycle cost analyses, plumbing system design, engineering of pumping and piping systems, and specifying/coordinating instrumentation for pumps, tanks, and vessels. The engineer will collaborate closely with other professionals, various jurisdictions, and contractors.

Requirements

• 10+ years of relevant engineering design experience in Power Generation
• Experience with simple cycle, combined cycle plants using natural gas, fuel oil, and diesel and/or coal-fired generation is preferred.
• Professional Engineering (P.E.) A license in Mechanical Engineering or a relevant degree
• Strong technical engineering focus, experience in GT Pro or similar gas power performance modelling software would be beneficial.
• Understands project life cycle, feasibility studies, competitive bidding of large power plants, engineering and construction of large power plants, commissioning, and operations phase of the plant.
• Strong power engineering background for power plant projects and familiar with owners’ engineer and/or technical advisory services, including feasibility and conceptual studies.
• Experience with task management, concept design, and assisting with project management tasks
• Familiar with coordinating with clients, attending client meetings, and overseeing quality standards

Responsibilities

• Prepare cost estimates, project work plans, and schedules, and perform work that requires independent judgment in evaluating, selecting, adapting, and modifying standard engineering methods and criteria.
• Provide guidance, technical direction, and mentorship to junior team members.
• Maintain regular communication and coordination with clients and external partners.
• Lead mechanical engineering efforts for natural gas and coal‑fired power generation projects.
• Design and support systems related to Air Quality Control and Effluent Limitation Guidelines.
• Perform comprehensive piping system design, including pipe and valve selection/sizing, material selection (fittings, gaskets, etc.), pipe routing, and pipe support design.
• Develop and review P&IDs to ensure accurate representation of system components and operation.
• Conduct mechanical equipment condition assessments and perform lifecycle cost analyses.
• Design plumbing systems for sanitary and potable water applications.
• Engineer pumping and piping systems for a variety of fluids and gases, including blowers, steam, and compressed air.
• Select and size tanks and vessels to meet project and process requirements.
• Specify and coordinate instrumentation selection and placement for pumps, tanks, and vessels.
• Work closely and collaboratively with other industry leading professionals, various jurisdictions, and contractors.

Benefits

• Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to-1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
• Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
• Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree